CUNY School of Law Celebrates Class of 2024 with Week of Events Culminating in Commencement Ceremony at Historic Apollo Theater
The City University of New York School of Law celebrated the 201 graduates in the Class of 2024 with a week of events, culminating in the commencement ceremony held at the Apollo Theater in Harlem on Thursday, May 23.
At a graduation portrait reception on Monday, May 20, graduates enjoyed wine and cheese while having their formal portraits taken by the Law School’s photographer as a commemorative gift to the Class of 2024. On May 21, the Law School community honored the achievements of graduates from our Pipeline to Justice program, CUNY Law’s signature access initiative.
The celebrations continued on Wednesday, May 22, with the Student Awards Night. The Class of 2024 selected the recipients of various awards and honors, including Therese McNulty ’09, who received the Community Service Award, and Professor Gregory Louis, who was presented with the Outstanding Professor Award.
Karimah Shabazz and Ashley Weaver, the student-selected speakers representing the part-time and full-time program, respectively, delivered moving speeches. Their addresses were filled with reminiscences, jokes, and acknowledgment of the particular achievements of the class, given that they began law school during the Covid-19 pandemic.
For the first time, CUNY Law’s commencement was held at the world-famous Apollo Theater in Harlem. Dean Sudha Setty noted, “This historic venue is a fitting place to honor the Class of 2024, who have shown incredible resilience and dedication in pursuing justice. They embody CUNY Law’s mission of law in the service of human needs.” Commencement began with multilingual greetings delivered in some of the native languages of members of the Class of 2024. Remarks and congratulations were offered by Dean Setty; Henry T. Berger, Trustee of the City University of New York; Assembly Member Harvey Epstein ’94; and Assembly Member Rebecca A. Seawright ’92, Chair of CUNY Law’s Board of Visitors. The ceremony was punctuated by occasional peaceful protest, yet continued to honor the accomplishments of the class of 2024. The ceremony closed with the Hon. Edwina G. Richardson ’88, leading the graduates in the recitation of the Lawyer’s Pledge, followed by a joyful recessional.
